A JUDGE honoured the word of a colleague when he passed a non-custodial sentence on a Blackburn man for handling stolen goods.
Andrew Helm appeared on a deferred sentence at Preston Crown Court where the 32-year-old was promised three months ago he would not be sent away if he kept out of trouble and met other requirements.
The defendant of Cherry Tree Lodge, Islington, Blackburn, was said to have stayed out of trouble since, had decent accommodation and was complying with drug treatment and testing orders.
In the circumstances, Recorder John Bromley-Davenport QC kept the promise of Judge Brian Duckworth, who had told Helm he would not go to prison if he did as he was told.
Helm had earlier pleaded guilty to handling two mountain bikes and other property, the proceeds of a shed burglary.
Defence barrister Simon Newell said Helm had complied with what had been required of him.
"He is entirely drug free now. He has decent accommodation. There has been progress over the last four to six weeks".
The Recorder imposed a twelve months conditional discharge.
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